Bachmann 35-413

British Rail Class 47/4 47828 British Rail InterCity Swallow

Class & Prototype

The British Rail Class 47, or Brush Type 4, built 1962-1968, represents Britain's most numerous mainline diesel with 512 locomotives constructed by Brush Traction and BR Crewe Works. Despite early reliability problems, a mid-1960s decision to derate engines from 2,750 to 2,580 bhp transformed the class into Britain's most dependable mixed-traffic locomotive, achieving 55+ years service. Operating across all BR regions hauling everything from royal trains to coal hoppers, Class 47s wore over 30 distinct liveries spanning BR green through colourful sector schemes to privatisation colours. Currently, Bachmann and Heljan produce exceptional OO gauge models with motorised fans, ESU LokSound V5 sound, and 150+ detail parts, while Graham Farish dominates N gauge. With 32 preserved locomotives and continuing heritage operations, the "Duff" remains an iconic part of British railway heritage.

No prototype found.

Operator & Livery

British Rail InterCity was the premium express passenger brand that operated from 1966 to 1997, transforming long-distance rail travel across Britain. Initially launched as a marketing brand for high-speed services, InterCity became an autonomous business sector in 1982 under the sectorisation programme, operating profitable express services from London to Scotland, Wales, the West Country, and extensive cross-country routes.

The brand pioneered revolutionary rolling stock including the iconic InterCity 125 HST (High Speed Train) from 1976, which achieved 125mph operations on existing infrastructure, and the electric InterCity 225 sets from 1989, capable of 140mph but limited to 125mph in service. InterCity also developed the ground-breaking Advanced Passenger Train (APT) with tilting technology that influenced modern high-speed trains worldwide.

Distinguished by its evolving livery schemes - from Rail Blue and Grey through the sophisticated Executive livery with dark grey upper bodies and red stripes - InterCity became synonymous with quality, speed, and reliability. All day services featured buffet cars and the majority operated at 100mph or above, making British Rail one of the world's most intensive high-speed operators.

The brand was divided among multiple operators during railway privatisation in the 1990s, but its technical innovations, operational excellence, and commercial principles continue influencing modern rail services. InterCity remains hugely popular with railway modellers, with extensive ranges of locomotives and coaching stock available in all major scales from manufacturers like Hornby, Bachmann, and Heljan.